Memphis Chinese Language School

From ClassBrain.com

TN Tourism
Memphis Chinese Language School - Germantown, TN
By Olivia Schweikert
Lighthouse Instruction for Enrichment (LIFE)
Language Arts Teacher (English): Pennie Lyles
Dec 15, 2008, 22:15 PST

Olivia Schweikert is an eleven year old Hometown Reporter from Germantown, Tennessee, where she is home-schooled in the sixth grade, and takes additional classes at the Lighthouse Instruction for Enrichment (LIFE). Olivia reported on the Memphis Chinese Language School. She is a Chinese adoptee who has enjoyed learning about her ethnic heritage through MCLS, which is a cooperative effort of the local Chinese community.

Memphis Chinese Language School
Riverdale Elementary School
7391 Neshoba Rd.
Germantown, TN 38138
Hours: Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m. August through May

Changzhi Yu teaches art at Memphis Chinese Language School Photo © Olivia Schweikert 2008

Eight-year-old Kaia Stevenson was just taught how to say the word ‘water.’ But she says it in a different language. She pronounces it “ shui” (shway).

She is like many other children who go to Memphis Chinese Language School (MCLS), Germantown, Tenn. on Friday nights from 6 to 8:30 p.m. They are either taught how to speak the Chinese language, or they go there to reinforce the language their parents speak at home with them so they won’t forget it.

The school was founded in 2004 by members of the Greater Memphis United Chinese Association. The founders include: Ming Hui Wang, Quing Zhang, and Rong Lin, Jada Mo, and Liping Li.

Mang Ensell, principal of Memphis Chinese Language School Photo © Olivia Schweikert 2008

When asked about the purpose of the school, Mang Ensell, the present-day principal, answered that the objective is to benefit people, either Chinese or others, who are interested in learning the Chinese language and curious about Chinese heritage.

Even though mostly Chinese people attend MCLS, people from other nationalities participate in the classes, which the public can attend. The classes include dance, art, martial arts, math, and even language classes for preschoolers.

Around 250 students attend MCLS currently, including about 20 adults and also 20 children who were adopted from China. Most of the adopted children are also involved in a group known as Families with Children from China (FCC), which is a large organization that helps adoptive families connect.

One teacher, high school student, Julie Gan, teaches dance to children ages five and up. “I just like hanging out with the children and working with them, dancing with the music and performing,” she says. She adds that she likes the sense of Chinese community. Gan’s students, alongside other Chinese children and adults from the school, have participated in the Chinese Moon Festival and will perform in the Chinese New Year celebration at the University of Memphis.

Erin Bargiachi, age 8, takes language classes and dance with Gan. “It is fun,” she says, “it’s cool and I like the Chinese teachers.” Erin adds that she would like to be able to run around and play tag, but she is not allowed to because the principal would like to keep a school atmosphere.

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